foolish
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foolish
Acting unwisely, unreasonably, and without good judgment. The word is often used to judge an action or decision as stupid and belongs to an elevated style of language.
Es wäre töricht zu glauben, dass dieses Problem von allein verschwindet.
It would be foolish to believe that this problem will disappear on its own.
'Töricht' (foolish) is a word of elevated style and is mainly used in written language or in formal speeches. In everyday colloquial language, it often sounds outdated or very formal.
Der König nannte den Plan seines Beraters töricht.
The king called his advisor's plan foolish.
A very typical construction with this adjective is 'Es ist/wäre töricht, … zu' (It is/would be foolish to ...), followed by an infinitive. This evaluates an action or thought as unwise.
Es wäre töricht, die Warnungen der Experten zu ignorieren.
It would be foolish to ignore the experts' warnings.
'Töricht' (foolish) often describes abstract nouns. Common combinations are 'eine törichte Entscheidung' (a foolish decision), 'ein törichter Glaube' (a foolish belief), 'eine törichte Hoffnung' (a foolish hope), or 'ein törichtes Verhalten' (foolish behavior).
Es war eine törichte Entscheidung, ohne Karte in die Berge zu gehen.
It was a foolish decision to go into the mountains without a map.
The adjective 'töricht' (foolish) is related to the old word 'der Tor' (the fool), which refers to a stupid or foolish person. This origin helps you better understand the meaning 'unklug' (unwise).
Nur ein Tor würde so ein Risiko eingehen.
Only a fool would take such a risk.
stupid / unfortunate
“Dumm” and “töricht” can judge a bad decision as unreasonable. “Dumm” sounds direct and can easily come across as personally insulting. “Töricht” belongs to a more elevated style of language and focuses more on a lack of good judgment, especially in actions or decisions.
Der Richter erklärte, es sei töricht gewesen, die Warnung zu ignorieren.
The judge explained that it had been foolish to ignore the warning.
Sein Freund sagte direkt, es sei dumm gewesen, die Warnung zu ignorieren.
His friend said directly that it had been stupid to ignore the warning.
